Ryanair Chase tips: Our pundits give their opinion as Ruby backs against Willie Mullins

RUBY WALSH

If I look back to last year, I definitely did the wrong thing on Min in the Champion Chase. Min had led Altior in their last two battles and been a target, so I was hell-bent on not being the mouse and being the cat instead. So I sat behind Altior but it didn’t work, it was the wrong thing to do.

A Plus Tard’s best performance came at Cheltenham last year when he bolted in. He’s a way better horse going left-handed and as much as it kills me to go against one of Willie Mullins’s, I think A Plus Tard will get it done.

FRANK HICKEY

I’d been keen to get away from A Plus Tard. He was very impressive last year but he’s not been challenged much since. Riders Onthe Storm for Nigel Twiston-Davies has been transformed since changing yard. He was very impressive at Aintree back in November. The only worry would be he’s had a hard race at Ascot midway through February. His jumping has been very good this year. I really like him.

Of the two at the top, he’s a much better bet than A Plus Tard for me. I’d be very much against A Plus Tard.

LIZZIE KELLY

I think Riders Onthe Storm is very progressive. I would worry he had a very tough race last time when the going was atrocious. I do like A Plus Tard, I think having Festival form is always a bonus. I thought he looked good at Leopardstown over Christmas. Right now he’d be the one I’d go for.

PAUL JACOBS

Based on last year, A Plus Tard was the most impressive over the four days.

PADDY

I’d be inclined to wait until the day and see which drifts out a little. I think I’d just prefer Min, and I think it’s between him and A Plus Tard.